South Florida Uruguayans gear up for World Cup with watch parties and rallies

Why it matters: Uruguay, competing in its fifth straight World Cup, has a soccer-and-steak-loving community of about 10,000 living in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, per the Migration Policy Institute.

• La Celeste will play two group stage matches at Hard Rock Stadium, the most of any team.

Flashback: Uruguay hosted and won the first-ever World Cup in 1930, making it one of just eight nations to ever win it all. (It won again in 1950.)

• Uruguay's population of 3 million makes it the fourth smallest World Cup nation, followed by Qatar, Cape Verde and Curacao, per the Athletic.

What they're saying: Melissa Ambrosio, owner of Doña Paulina Parrillada, on Bird Road, tells Axios her long-running Uruguayan restaurant will broadcast every match the national team plays.

• "A lot of expectations. A lot of faith. Our hearts are beginning to speed up."

📍Where else: Cyber Pizza Sport Bar in Dania Beach will be a hub for Uruguayan fans, hosting a pre-match get-together at 1pm Sunday.

🇺🇾 DJ Sanata is also hosting a pre-match party 6pm Sunday at the Miami Beach Bandshell.

• Tickets for La Concentración del Hincha Celeste are $37.44.

🥁 Meanwhile, some fans are gathering for rallies Saturday at 85th Street and Collins in Miami Beach and on Sunday at Tropical Park.

• Miami Beach says an Uruguay rally on Sunday at 6pm and matchday activity on Monday will disrupt traffic between 72nd and 74th streets.
• After Monday's match, there will be a 21+ ticketed party at Revenge nightclub in Miami Beach.

Match schedule

• 🏡 June 15, 6pm: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay — Miami Gardens, Hard Rock Stadium
• 🏡 June 21, 6pm: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde — Miami Gardens, Hard Rock Stadium
• ✈️ June 26, 8pm: Uruguay vs. Spain — Mexico